A Day at Kiamichi Link Ranch

May152012

President Tim Faltyn, the Connors State College Livestock Judging Team and a few staff members attended an event hosted by Mr. Tucker Link, a member of the OSU A&M Board of Regents at his ranch near Finley, Oklahoma. The day consisted of a livestock judging contest between Connors State College and NEO A&M, lunch, a tour of the beautiful land that makes up the Kiamichi Link Ranch, and a generous announcement by Mr. Link. Regent Link announced that he would be donating a cow from his herd valued at several thousands of dollars to the Connors State and NEO Cattle programs. Dr. Tim Faltyn responded that, “His generosity is historic and I know that our farm and ranch crew aim to make the best of the opportunity. This gift will put our Angus herd on the map, probably as one of the top colleges or universities in the country.” As for the competition between Connors and NEO, Connors was well represented taking top honors in almost every category of the competition. “To have someone that passionate about agriculture on the board is a blessing, but to have someone like that who is willing to share his time and facilities with our students is a dream come true,” replied Faltyn. “All of the students from each college handled themselves with class, dignity and grace. If you saw what I saw you’d be proud.”

Regent and Mrs. Link (center) are pictured with College Presidents, Dr. Tim Faltyn (sitting far right) and Dr. Jeff Hale (sitting far left) as well as Livestock Judging Team members from Connors State College and NEO. Other guest included, State Representatives, Secretary of Agriculture, Other Board Members of the OSU Board of Regents, and staff from both colleges.